Open space statement

If a significant area of informal open space or a specific sport or recreation facility or provision is to be lost as a result of a proposed development, an applicant is required to provide evidence that the land or buildings are of limited value, surplus to requirements or are being replaced.  Reference can be made to the Council’s city-wide open space assessment, where available.  

Applicants are advised to agree the scope of any such assessment with the Planning Service in advance.  Any evidence of local community support for the proposals could be of benefit, but is not essential evidence.  

Background information

Government guidance states that existing open space, sports and recreational buildings and land should not be built on unless an assessment has been undertaken which has clearly shown the open space or the buildings and land to be surplus to requirements.

Sport England

Sport England is a statutory consultee on any application affecting a playing field and asserts that it will object to the development of any Playing Field unless certain exceptional circumstances apply.